The fall is slowly setting in here at the 49 parallel and I'm trying to figure out what would be the best Fall-gear option for me.

I have seen the Descente Axiom Jacket/Vest which, at 99.95$, has the advantage of providing both a jacket and a vest (the arms zip off). Anyone has it or similar jacket/vest combos? http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=16580

I'm not sure I'll ever wear just the vest, though, as it's always my arms that get cold, and I don't have that many long sleeve jerseys that I could wear under a vest.

Another option is Shebeest's Full Zip Velocity Jersey which looks really beyouuutiful in the Astroberry color (but gold must be more visible... what do you think?), at 94.95$. http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=16394

My first pair were a pair of wool socks that I cut the toes out of. I prefer wool ones, but there are synthetic materials too.

http://www.rivbike.com/images/catpics/mr/22-330.jpg

I'm also wearing some in my TE pic.

V.

Grog

09-25-2005, 06:55 AM

I use armwarmers, but that definitely is not enough (for me at least). I'm in British Columbia (Vancouver) by the water most of the time, and it can get quite cold already (currently 8 C at 7am, soon 4 C) and windy. Armwarmers solve part of the warmth issue, but certainly not all. I'm looking for second and third layers solutions....

Veronica

09-25-2005, 07:31 AM

Sorry, I meant arm warmers rather than the long sleeve jerseys for versatility and less expense.

I have a Sugoi jacket that is very warm. I wore it on top of Mount Washington and the wind was blowing 40+ mph. It's also waterproof. I tend to only wear it when it's raining around here, after dark or when descending a big climb, because I overheat in it - even with the pit zips open.

For just wind protection I have a Patagonia Zephyr - I think- very light weight and easily packs into a seat bag or jersey pocket. Over a layer of wool it's primo for riding down to about 40 - 45 F. I haven't seen it on their website lately, but the Houdini looks like it's about the same weight and adds a hood. The style number starts off the same so they are related items.

I don't know anything about the items you specifically asked about. :)

V.

SadieKate

09-25-2005, 08:25 AM

I have jackets with zip-off sleeves and like them except they tend to be made in heavier fabrics that don't pack as well. I find that I like them best for variable temperature days the best -- cold mornings which gradually warm or days with hills on the route or high mtn altitudes with afternoon thundershowers.

You're in a colder climate so not sure what works for you, but I find that I only like to be encased completely by windproof layers when zipping down a long hill. You can easily get sweaty with full windproof jackets and then get cold any way.

Mtnbiking doesn't seem to produce the same windchill issues so I just like a heavy longsleeve jerseys with an very light LS zip turtleneck under (PI makes a nice silky one). This is probably where the vest/jacket combo works the best because I can carry it in my hydration pack and use it in case of rain.

Our roadbiking (around home) is very flat and can be very foggy with temps in the low 40 degrees (F). The coldest day, I wore a mid-weight capilene LS zip turtleneck and a PI jacket made from the heavier Kodiak material with a windvest underneath. Since a regular windvest has mesh on the back, I get all the benefits of the windprotection on my chest but can still blow off the sweat through the back. By wearing the vest underneath, I didn't have to listen to it russle all the time.

I find that zip turtlenecks as my base layer work well because I can regulate temperature the best.

Grog

09-25-2005, 08:07 PM

Great thanks for the info girls!

Veronica: Good idea. My only problem is that I have VERY small arms (diameter not length), I still have to find a model that fits (or more push-ups to do... I'm working on the push ups right now but improvement is slow).

Also: can you trace out the model name of your jacket?

SadieKate: I hadn't thought of wearing a turtleneck under my jerseys (just warmer layers over it), I'll try exactly that this week. I may go for the jacket/vest, I know there will be enough cool riding days to justify it around here... and eventually I could even wear it for snowshoeing.

Thanks ladies!

Veronica

09-26-2005, 04:02 AM

My Sugoi is a Bosui - last year's model. It really is waterproof. I commute in it a lot throughout our rainy season.

BTW Patagonia has some of that capilene stuff SK mentioned on sale right now. The sale stuff is under web specials.

V.

SadieKate

09-26-2005, 08:25 AM

Grog, be sure that your base layers fit somewhat snugly. They'll be more comfortable under your jerseys. I tend to buy turtlenecks on the large size but have learned the error of my ways when I want to layer.

REI outlet will sometimes have killer deals. I've picked up lots of sleeveless and shortsleeve undergarmets from them.

JmcG

10-06-2005, 06:19 AM

I have a Gore jacket/vest:
Gore jacket (http://www.gore-tex.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&productId=204951&activityId=10017&genderId=10025&typeId=10020&pagenum=2&categoryId=10025&seed=1128606517134)

I wore it all last winter. You can zip the sleeves out if it gets warmer and stuff them in the back pocket. When it gets cold out, I wear an Under Armour cold gear mock turtle neck base layer, a Pearli vest (that's tight) and this jacket. That's all I need on my upper body even in temps in the high 20s (my limit for being out in the cold weather - otherwise I'm on my trainer!).

Good luck in your search!

Here's the link for the jacket: http://www.gore-tex.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&productId=204951&activityId=10017&genderId=10025&typeId=10020&pagenum=2&categoryId=10025&seed=1128606517134

DeniseGoldberg

10-06-2005, 06:32 AM

One of my favorite layers as we move into weather too cool for just a wind vest over my cycling jerseys is an REI Midweight MTS Tank Top. It's a dynamite extra layer.

I ordered the Descente Axiom Jacket / Vest last night and I'll let you know how it works (although it will not be extremely cool yet).

I am really not very resistant to the cold, I have no fat on my arms so all my layers of protection are from my clothes! It's around 12-15 celcius these days when I go riding and already I am wearing a longsleeve base layer + a longsleeve jersey + often a windshell, and that's for a hilly ride.

I think I really need something that covers my neck. The Axiom looks like it can do that job. I'll review it as soon as I get it.

For the rest (base layers and all) I have MEC, the Canadian equivalent of REI, but I'll make sure I'll drop by REI next time I cross the border to go to Seattle.

Many thanks!

DeniseGoldberg

10-06-2005, 07:49 AM

For the rest (base layers and all) I have MEC, the Canadian equivalent of REI, but I'll make sure I'll drop by REI next time I cross the border to go to Seattle.

Many thanks!

Oops - sorry! I keep forgetting about having to deal with customs if buying across our very friendly borders.

I found what looks like a similar tank at MEC - but they go all the way and use Malden Mills® Polartec® Power Dry® as the fabric. Looks nice to me!

My first pair were a pair of wool socks that I cut the toes out of. I prefer wool ones, but there are synthetic materials too.

http://www.rivbike.com/images/catpics/mr/22-330.jpg

I'm also wearing some in my TE pic.

V.

Oooh, now there's an idea! I have lots of wool Army socks that are too shrunk to wear (I keep a few "just in case"). Is there anything special I need to do to them other than cutting off the toes?

bikerbarb

10-09-2005, 07:45 PM

It just turned cold this weekend and I remember why I love love love my Burly jacket. It blocks the wind perfectly, keeps me the right temperature, has pit zips to adjust warmth/heat I produce, a front zip with NO velcro to annoy me, a cincher toggle at the bottom, is waterproof when it rains. It's bright yellow. And best of all, it fits well, proportioned so it's the right ratio of shoulder size and hip size. Before I bought it, I ordered and sent back 4 different jackets.
costs $139 and so worth it.

http://www.burley.com/products/raingear/default.aspx

Grog

10-13-2005, 01:44 PM

Ok well, the Descente Axiom Vest/Jacket doesn't seem to do it.

(I just received it though, fast shipping, great job TE ladies!)

I was a bit disappointed with the color. It's really more purple than blue, and won't really fit any of my other gear. I don't really like the way it looks, nor do I really trust the material... Just a bad feeling. I won't wait to wear it on a Vancouver wet day and be disappointed. So I'll try the Gore Passion Plus now. Thanks for the hint JmcG.

I kind of like the Burley one too but the sleeves can't be zipped off, so it's not really what I need for now. But it will become my third choice if I'm not happy with the Gore model! (Boy that will get expensive, shipping wise!!)

I just ordered the IllumiNite combo jacket from REI (mens too alpine! LOL). It looks very similar to the Gore but with zip off sleeves and it's made of the IllumiNite material so I'll be Seen baby!! It's supposed to be here Mon!

It is perfect. Warmer than the Descente I first ordered, water resistant (enough for my needs - I have something else for when it's pouring and even then I won't go out if it's pouring), wind resistant, perfect for both running and biking.

The weather is currently in the 4-10 degrees Celcius range here in Vancouver. I wear the jacket for road riding (I wish I could wear it to commute but I don't have to, I live right on campus). Under it, I usually wear a longsleeve lightweight underweight and a long- or shortsleeve jersey, and I remain warm and toasty for the length of my ride. I also take it running and then again it is perfect. Only once did I feel clammy in it, and that was because I was overdressed under it.

The only negative sides I see are : could have more reflective material (although it's not too bad) and the pocket zippers should be easier to open (that's easy to fix, I just added a little bit of rope so I could more easily grab it). Kinda expensive at 139$ but not so bad considering the quality.

I am confident I will be able to wear it until the end of Spring (weather shouldn't dip under the -5 Celcius mark here) and maybe even occasionally in the Summer. In colder temperatures, I will just add layers.

Thanks to all who provided feedback on this question, and happy Winter riding!

DirtDiva

11-20-2005, 02:14 PM

Nice! I wanted one of those, but it was too spendy. I did manage to find last year's Cannondale version (I think TE stocks this year's Morphis) on sale for an acceptable price though. I'm very happy with it thus far. The fact that I fit into a small did wonders for my ego too! :D